Educator/Food Coordinator

Job description

About the Role

As the Food Coordinator, you will be responsible for preparing nutritious meals and snacks for children aged 0–5 years while ensuring the kitchen operates safely, efficiently, and in line with health and regulatory requirements.

You will work closely with the Campus Director, Educators, and families to ensure all children’s dietary needs, allergies, and cultural food preferences are supported.

This role combines cooking, menu planning, food safety, organisation, and documentation, while contributing to a positive and welcoming centre environment. You will also have the opportunity to support children’s connection with food through gardening and sustainability experiences within the centre.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare healthy meals and snacks in line with Get Up & Grow nutrition guidelines
• Develop four-week rotating menus that are balanced, nutritious, and culturally inclusive
• Manage food purchasing and ordering within the centre budget
• Maintain accurate allergy and dietary requirement information and ensure documentation is up to date
• Ensure the kitchen meets Food Safe and hygiene standards
• Prepare meals that are appealing and encourage children to try new foods
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment
• Work collaboratively with educators and families to support children’s nutritional needs
• Support gardening experiences and incorporate fresh produce and sustainability into children’s learning where possible
• Contribute to centre events and a positive team culture
• Protect children from harm and ensure their health, safety, and wellbeing
• Provide healthy, nutritious food and beverages that meet children’s cultural, developmental, and health needs
• Implement high-quality food safety and hygiene practices
• Implement high-quality Work Health and Safety practices
• Present a professional image at all times

About You

You will bring experience in childcare settings or food preparation, along with a genuine passion for children’s health and wellbeing.

Essential Requirements

• Hold a Certificate III qualification or be willing to work towards obtaining one
• Valid Working with Children Check (WWCC)
• Current First Aid Certificate
• Understanding of food safety and special dietary needs
• Experience in menu planning and ordering supplies
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and records
• Willingness to obtain a Food Handling Certificate

Desirable

• Previous kitchen experience preferred (training and support will be provided)
• Passion for gardening and an interest in incorporating gardening into children’s learning experiences

What We Offer

• Above Award pay rates (10% above award wages)
• Permanent roles
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• A supportive, community-focused work environment

About Us

Thriving Futures is a unique workforce development program dedicated to supporting early learning educators and services across remote and regional Australia. We work hand-in-hand with local centres like Newman Day Care Centre to recruit, train, and retain a sustainable, high-quality workforce.

You’ll be based in the close-knit Pilbara community of Newman, WA, where your work will make a genuine difference in the lives of local children and families.

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, mature-age workers, and parents returning to the workforce.

Learn more about our mission at Thriving Futures

Pay: $26.45 – $43.12 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Willing to Relocate to Newman?
• Do you have Current WA WWCC?

Education:

• Diploma (Preferred)

Work Authorisation:

• Australia (Required)

Work Location: In person